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For A-Rod, the Time is Now

October 11, 2012 – When Joe Girardi pitch hit for Alex Rodriguez in the bottom of the ninth inning of last night’s ALDS Game 3, the third baseman handled the humbling move to the bench with class.

In my opinion, A-Rod was genuine in his respect for Girardi’s gutsy decision to take out a guy who will probably end up with more than 700 home runs for Raul Ibanez, a part-time player who is 40 years old.

Rodriguez discussed how much the team means to him, and seemed unfazed by the unprecedented move by the Yankees skipper.

Of course, Girardi’s move paid off in a major way as Ibanez tied the game in the 9th and won it in the 12th with two of the most dramatic home runs in decades.

But not it’s time to turn the page to tonight’s Game 4 of the ALDS. A-Rod has a walk and a single in his first two at-bats, and in my opinion, he looks more confident at the plate than he has at any other point in the ALDS.

Rodriguez will have a few more at-bats tonight, and I believe he will due some serious damage at the plate. I’m not sure if he’ll hit a long-ball or collect a few doubles, but I’m confident that he will hit the ball hard and find his way back to the base paths.

I’m making this prediction because the biggest issue Rodriguez has faced over the last few days is the snowball effect of his struggles. But he’s already back on track, and I think he will keep the momentum of the first two at-bats going.

Also, A-Rod has a ton of pride and determination. He knows the time to turn it up is now, and he will.

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